CSCA 5214: Computing, Ethics, and Society Foundations

Duration: 6 hours

In this introductory week, you will delve into the fascinating world of computing, ethics, and society. You will explore the fundamental concepts of ethics and ethical frameworks, providing a solid foundation for the entire course. You will gain insights into key ethical theories, including Kantianism, Virtue Ethics, Utilitarianism, and Social Contract Theory. Through interactive discussions and engaging resources, you will understand how these theories shape our moral decision-making processes and their significance in the context of computing technologies.

Duration: 5 hours

This week explores the internet's evolution and the ethical challenges of recommender systems and internet advertising. You examine recommender systems' operation, benefits, and ethical concerns, and broader issues in internet advertising such as personalized advertising and data usage on browsers and social media platforms. Through discussions and independent assessment of current articles, you will critically assess the ethics of online recommendations and advertising, gaining a comprehensive understanding of ethical considerations related to core aspects of the internet.

Duration: 8 hours

This week explores two key areas related to the internet: the influence of social media on youth and the widespread issue of misinformation in different contexts. You will analyze ethical responsibilities related to fostering a healthy digital environment and understanding and combating misinformation. This week aims to equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to contribute to the creation of a responsible online environment, and to a society that is better informed about major internet-related ethical issues.

Duration: 9 hours

This week delves into the concepts of computer privacy and security. You will explore privacy issues such as data collection, tracking, and anonymity, alongside legal approaches to safeguarding privacy such as the “Right to be Forgotten”. The module also covers security topics including types of security breaches, ransomware, and ethical hacking. By the end of this week, you will have a broad understanding of computer privacy and security, equipped with ethical insights to navigate this dynamic landscape responsibly.

Duration: 2.5 hours

For this final project, you will revisit your answer to a specific discussion board question from each of the four modules.   In each case, you may:

1. repeat your answer exactly as you gave it originally,
2. revise and expand upon your original answer, or
3. start anew in answering the question.   

For the purpose of this exam, each answer should be 2-3 paragraphs and 300-500 words. Note: the upper board of the word limit is a little longer than it was on the discussion board.

After you submit your responses, you will grade the responses of 3 other students to each of the four questions. The grading rubric is the same as used in the peer-review assignments.